Next-Gen BMW X3 M confirmed, Testing begins

Snapshot: The next-gen X3 M will take on the likes of Porsche Macan Turbo and the upcoming Mercedes-AMG GLC 63.

Bavarian marque, BMW has started testing next-gen X3 xDriveM40i at the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit. The new model of the X3 is scheduled to launch by next year, while the performance enhanced version is expected to arrive in the market sometime in 2018. Though, it is still unknown that this would be an M Performance model, but X3 (Codename – F97) is will most likely adopt an all-new platform incorporating elements from the Cluster Architecture (CLAR) that is incorporated in the recently launched 7 Series.

Under the hood, the next generation X3 xDriveM40i will be power packed with 3.0-litre company’s twin turbocharged straight-six cylinder engine, also seen in the new 7-series. It is being rumoured that a diesel variant is also on offer, powered by a 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder engine, which is a milder version of the BMW’s 381hp used on the X5 M50d. There could be a possibility that the brand could come up with a tuned-up version, same that is found in the latest M3, a 3.0-litre turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engine good enough to deliver 431hp of power. Once it is put into the production line, it will take on the likes of Porsche Macan Turbo and the upcoming Mercedes-AMG GLC 63.

Speaking of the engine line-up, the new version will get a range of updated four-cylinder and all-new six-cylinder petrol and diesel motors, while units will likely be connected to the new nine-speed ZF automatic transmission along with company’s xDrive, while a rear-wheel-drive could also be offered.